Setting Up the Aquarium

Axolotls like to have a hideaway where they can lie in ambush. The tank should be set up to provide proper environment for your pet, resembling the wild nature. Stiff live plants resistant to wear and tear are the most suitable. Axolotls don’t pull it out of the ground but they may damage the foliage by their clumsy swimming style. At feeding, your pet might mistakenly take a bite in a plant instead of the feed and jerk it. But don’t worry - axolotls don’t eat the plants. Well proven in my breeding operation are the Microsorium pteropus and Vallisneria gigantean water plants. On the other hand, the Vesicularia dubyana or the Mriophyllum are not recommended, as your axolotl might get tangled in them and drown. Also the floating plants, such as the Pistia stratiotes, are not suitable for axolotl aquariums. Various organic debris get trapped among their foliage and in the root system; moreover, they cover the water surface reducing the area where axolotls’ can take a breath. Frequently, axolotls are kept in tanks with artificial plants. These are easy to attach to the bottom, they have nice vivid colours, the animals won’t damage them and they can be easily cleaned. Just make sure you pick the kinds without sharp edges or pointy leaves that might injure your axolotl. However, the tank should not be overfilled with plants - the less the better. Adequately planted aquarium is easier to clean.

Axolotls are unique and easy to keep. They can live for up to 20 years and make excellent pets and companions. Axolotls do not bite and have no claws.